Italian Trio Chase Manchester City Striker Mario Balotelli

Italy top clubs to sign unsettled striker Balotelli in the upcoming transfer window.

Rumours over Mario Balotelli’s possible return to native Italy intensified today, a day after the striker’s daughter was born in Naples.

Despite recent links to AC Milan, Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport has spiced up the speculation mill by claiming former club Inter Milan and champions Juventus are also chasing the Manchester City player.

Inter Milan sold the player in 2010 for £22m and have a buy-back option on the man. After their qualification for the last 32 of the Europa League last night, coach Andrea Stramaccioni admitted their first Christmas wish was for a top striker: “We’d like a central striker, something we all know we’ve been missing from the start. That’s the only type of player we’re lacking but, as I’ve said, either someone like this comes in or we’ll focus on getting everyone fit.”

However both Juventus and AC Milan – SuperMario’s favourite team – are reportedly looking for an out and out striker in the mould of Balotelli. AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi recently admitted his passion for the Man City player and said his dream is to re-create his partnership with fellow Italy striker Stephan El Shaarawy.

Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola denied any speculation, claiming that Balotelli is like the Mona Lisa, virtually unaffordable. “In Italy, no club could afford Balotelli,” he said.

Balotelli is reported to be planning a trip to Italy next week to see his new born daughter Pia for the first time.